Daley hints at list for stimulus aid

Mayor Richard Daley flew to Washington on Monday to lobby for the economic stimulus package being debated there, and before leaving he revealed some of the Chicago projects that he wants the federal government to help fund.

Unlike many local leaders around the country, Daley has declined to detail his stimulus wish list. But Monday the mayor offered a partial list, saying he is seeking funding to make improvements to 15 miles of transit lines, more than 200 schools, 150 miles of main streets, 200 miles of street lights and 75 miles of sewer and water mains.Other initiatives that Daley said the city would like to pursue with federal aid include expanding broadband access to 22,000 homes and increased tutoring, special education programs and teacher training.

Asked exactly how much money he wants from Washington, Daley said, "We don't know ... Like anything else, you don't want [people] to say, 'Oh, the city of Chicago is taking everything, getting everything.' But we have enough projects to fulfill what they need, and if they take half of them, fine."

Daley's announcement was far less detailed than the lists that other mayors and local politicians released recently in anticipation of new dollars from Washington. Cook County leaders have submitted a six-page, single-spaced list of specific "stimulus project requests."

Daley said last week he had a list but would not disclose it "because once you start putting it out publicly ... the media is going to be ripping it apart." On Monday, he again defended his decision.

"These lists are not part of any public funding process," Daley said. "In fact, the federal government will not ask cities and states for a comprehensive list. Rather, once the economic recovery bill becomes law, cities will become eligible to apply for and receive grants."